For people who never have time
Inspection overdue? That's a fine up to €1,250.
Nobody likes thinking about this. So there are only three steps here. Do them tonight — and forget about it until next year.
Insurance
Check your insurance is paid and active. Without it, nothing else counts.
How do I check?
Open your insurer's app or the last e-mail and look for the policy end date. The paper green card in the glovebox proves nothing any more — the certificate is digital. If renewal is close, get 2 quotes elsewhere: 10 minutes, typical saving €50–150 a year.
Service + inspection
Book a garage for oil, lights and a pre-check. From the garage go straight to the inspection (IPO).
How do I book?
Send this to any garage:
Olá, queria marcar mudança de óleo e filtros, verificação de luzes e um pré-check para a inspeção. Matrícula __-__-__. Que dia têm livre?
Then book the inspection at an IPO centre near you (Google Maps → “inspeção automóvel”). Price in 2026: about €38. Bring the registration certificate. If you're overdue: don't drive more than needed — the fine is €250–1,250.
Vest and triangle
Open the boot. A reflective vest and a warning triangle must be there — the law requires both.
What if one is missing?
Any petrol station or supermarket sells the kit (vest + triangle) for €8–15. Without them at a police stop the fine can reach €600. Keep the vest within the driver's reach (glovebox or door pocket), not at the bottom of the boot. A first-aid kit is not mandatory in cars in Portugal — but it's a good idea.
Done? Then you're sorted for a year.
Want your phone calendar to warn you before next year's deadlines? The full version does it in three taps, no sign-up.
Rules checked in October 2026 (IMT, Código da Estrada). When in doubt, official sources prevail.